Todd Payten provides Cowboys injury updates on Jason Taumalolo, Jake Clifford and Zac Laybutt

Todd Payten has provided his strongest indication yet for who has replaced Chad Townsend, Valentine Holmes and Kyle Feldt, while sharing an update on a trio of injured stars. Read the latest.

Patrick Woods

@PatWoods321

2 min read

February 18, 2025 - 3:00PM

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The Cowboys will take a near full-strength squad into Sunday’s clash with the Melbourne Storm with three sidelined stars expected to be available for selection in round 1.

The team list provided the strongest indication yet for who has replaced Chad Townsend, Valentine Holmes and Kyle Feldt, although returning players Jason Taumalolo, Zac Laybutt and Jake Clifford could still shake up the side.

Cowboys coach Todd Payten provided an update on his trio of players who have been cleared to leave North Queensland’s injury paddock.

“They’ve started training full-time with the team as of yesterday. Given that it’s seven days away from the trial, they just haven’t got enough into their legs and their lungs and their shoulders to be right to play this week,” Payten said.

“Fingers crossed things go to plan and they’re available for round 1.”

Tom Duffy, North Queensland Cowboys, halfback, Rising star Tom Duffy has declared he is ready to make his NRL debut – Photo Supplied NRL Images

Uncapped halfback Tom Duffy will partner Tom Dearden in the halves this week, while rookie sensation Jaxon Purdue lines up at left centre with Braidon Burns on the right wing.

Despite donning his familiar No12 jersey, Maroons star Jeremiah Nanai is expected to shift to the left edge to bring experienced backrower John Bateman onto the youthful right edge.

Payten said Burns had recently hit the front in his three-way race with Jaxson Paulo and Rob Derby to replace Cowboys icon Kyle Feldt.

“It’s been exciting to watch over the pre-season period. Braidon has got his nose in front because he’s safe under the ball, and then he’s smart on the end of the line defensively,” Payten said.

“It’s been neck and neck for a lot of the time and then I guess in the past two or three weeks Braidon has got his nose in front.”

NRL 2024 RD13 Sydney Roosters v North Queensland Cowboys – Braidon Burns, try, celeb. Picture: NRL Photos

Payten praised 21-year-old Duffy for the way he’d stepped up during this pre-season.

“He’s gone after it and he deserves to be there on his performance at training,” Payten said.

“I think he played really well last year for the Pride. He’s confident in his own ability, he’s calm under pressure and he’s directing the team around perfectly.

“I’m excited for the kid and this is his first opportunity at NRL level and against a really, really good team, so what I do like about what ‘Duff’ has provided is he’s gone after it.”

Coach Todd Payten keeping a close eye on proceedings in the wet weather. Photo Cowboys

While Laybutt could be available for selection in round 1, he may have trouble usurping youngster Purdue who has been focusing on learning the craft of centre.

“He does things quite confidently and looks at ease in different positions,” Payten said.

“He’s an out-and-out footballer, he’s a problem solver and he’s actually enjoyed playing out in the centres.

“We have a high opinion of him here, he’s done really well last year and (we) expect him to grow a leg over the next month or two.”